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Open Interview Results
The following individuals participated in the open interview process of Interpreting Forward and verified the recorded information is accurate.
Jose
Debi Konz
Doug Bowen-Bailey
David Nathanson
Paula MacDonald
Tarra Grammenos
Richard Laurion
Chris Marble
Albert Walla
Abby Turner
John Fechter
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Working Group Members
Community Engagement
Mitchell Dillman
Jessica Eggert
Erin Gardner
Amy Greenwaldt
Ismahan Haji
Brandi Hoie
Michele Isham
Deb Kasper
Elise Knopf
Riss Leitzke
Molly Peters
Eric Sanken
Melissa Schroeder
Marley Wood
Data Analysis
Jessica Aguilar
Erica Alley
Jimmy Beldon
Krista Dillman
Anna Dudda
Aaron Gutzke
James Johnson
Sara Kreiling
Jenn Nelson
Lilly Steinbruckner
Laurie Swabey
Interpreter Pathways
Gina Alvarado
Krista Anderson
Lloyd Ballinger
Diane Bauch
Diana Bebeau
Pete Billodeau
Ander Bolduc
Doug Bowen-Bailey
Mary Cashman-Bakken
Marilyn Chiarello
Cara Christopherson
Geneva Dalager
Regina Daniels
Ashley Dietz
Cynthia Dzimian
Cassandra Eggers
Les Fairbanks
John Fechter
Cheryl Fielitz
Hannah Furney
Linda Gill
Sydney Groven
Joy Hahn
Andrea Hartman
Alicia Hoch
Robyn Lehmann-Doane
Roni Lovette
Becky Lukkason
Christine Marble
Missy Marsh
Rhoda Nelson
Kody Olson
Angela Packard
Bridget Sabatke
Diane Schiffler-Dobe
Jamers Speier
Kari Sween
Mark Valimont
Lori Vigesaa
Terry Wilding
Nic Zapko
Research
Melissa Christiansen
Krista Dillman
Nathan Ellis
Patty Gordon
Amy Granda
Jason Hawkins
Sander Kenwood
Jules Lehto
Eric Sanken
Jana Swenson
Kaylah Vogt
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Process Overview
ASL version
If you are DeafBlind or prefer to watch the video in a high contrast format, watch the DeafBlind friendlier ASL version instead. To adjust the video speed, use YouTube's playback speed tool.
English version
Hello! My name is Gloria Nathanson. It’s my pleasure to present this overview of the Interpreting Forward 2030. This is an exciting opportunity for the Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing and interpreter communities to come together to address some critical issues that face our communities.
As described in the previous announcement, MNCDHH is launching a long-term initiative called, “Interpreting Forward 2030” to examine various issues concerning the future quality and availability of sign language interpreters. Along with regulation or licensure of interpreting, we are also going to be considering the interpreter shortage and how the different systems and leaders in our community can address this shortage.
The first step is to convene a Task Force focused on “How to increase the quality and availability of professional interpreting services for the Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing people across Minnesota?” The Task Force will consist of four working groups: Research, Community Engagement, Interpreter Pathways, and Data Analysis. The purpose of the Task Force is to generate insights and recommendations for the consideration of MNCDHH, and ultimately propose solutions for the problem.
At the end of this process, we hope to advance shared solutions into the legislative work of the Commission.
In the first phase, the four working groups will meet and work on different parts of the problem. We are committed to deep engagement and want to understand all the perspectives in our community on interpreting. If you want to be included in generating ideas and solutions there will be many opportunities.
The facilitators for this initiative is the Dendros Group, a local consulting firm that specializes in stakeholder engagement, systems change and business strategy. There is space for all perspectives in this work, and I hope you’ll join us!
In another video, we will be talking about how to volunteer to participate in this project. Our goal is “turn no one away!” If you want to be a part of building a solution to the challenges we face, we will find a way to include you.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact us or the Commission ([email protected], [email protected]).
Credits:
The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing thanks:
Dr. Gloria Nathanson, The Dendros Group, LLC
Jamie Schumacher for voiceover
Keystone Interpreting Solutions for film production
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Recruitment
ASL version
If you are DeafBlind or prefer to watch the video in a high contrast format, watch the DeafBlind friendlier ASL version instead. To adjust the video speed, use YouTube's playback speed tool.
English version
The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing is looking for individuals to participate in Interpreting Forward 2030. Individuals can join one of the four working groups. The working groups are
- Research,
- Community Engagement,
- Interpreter Pathways, and
- Data Analysis.
Each group will focus on “how to increase quality and availability of professional interpreters services across Minnesota?”
The Research group will gather information from other states about their interpreting services. They will also gather information about the needs in Minnesota.
The Community Engagement group will interview and meet with people around our state, collecting their thoughts and ideas.
The Interpreter Pathways group will look at the process individuals go through to become an interpreter and ways we can make sure we always have a pool of high quality interpreters.
Finally, the Data Analysis group will analyze and share the data collected throughout the process.
Each working group will choose which two group members will attend two summit events.
The first summit will happen this summer, most likely in Rochester.
The second summit will happen this fall, most likely in Duluth.
The Dendros Group will facilitate and support the four working groups.
There is a document and ASL video called “Team Member Roles and Responsibilities” (coming soon) on the Commission’s website. It has information about time commitments and task list for each working group. It also explains how to join the group. I hope you will join us!
If you have any questions about this process, please contact our team, [email protected].
Credits:
The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing thanks:
Albert Walla, The Dendros Group, LLC
Jamie Schumacher for voiceover
Keystone Interpreting Solutions for film production
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About FAQ
ASL version
If you are DeafBlind or prefer to watch the video in a high contrast format, watch the DeafBlind friendlier ASL version instead. To adjust the video speed, use YouTube's playback speed tool.
English version
Hello! My name is Albert Walla. I’m a CDI here in Minnesota
It’s an exciting time to come together as Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing people to address this big problem that’s coming at us.
We depend on professional interpreters to ensure communication access. And we have fewer and fewer interpreters practicing in our state, both in the metro area and in greater Minnesota. Personally, I am very concerned for our communities.
As you know, MNCDHH is launching a state-wide initiative to consider ways to address this complex and important problem.
We need your help. As I talked about in my last video, MNCDHH is looking for community members to be part of the Interpreting Forward 2030 initiative. Please consider joining us. You’ll find information on this web page and in my last video on how to let us know you’re interested in volunteering. There are many opportunities.
I also want to tell you more about where to find information about this initiative. On this web page you will find an FAQ - “Frequently Asked Questions.” As the process unfolds, we will update the FAQ document. In this document we will answer common questions about the initiative.
That’s all for now. I hope you have a wonderful day, and I hope you have a chance to review the FAQ document soon.
Credits:
The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing thanks:
Albert Walla, The Dendros Group, LLC
Jamie Schumacher for voiceover
Keystone Interpreting Solutions for film production
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FAQ
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about the Interpreting Forward 2030 initiative.
What is Interpreting Forward 2030?
This initiative of the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing (MNCDHH) is to find ways to increase the quality and availability of professional interpreting services for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people across Minnesota.
Why is this initiative important?
According to local research, nearly half of active professional interpreters in Minnesota intend to leave interpreting or work less in the next five years.
Who is endorsing this project?
Although the Commission is supporting this initiative, many other groups are participating. So far, Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens (MADC), the Minnesota Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (MRID), St. Paul/Minneapolis Black Deaf Advocates (BDA), Minnesota Deaf Queers (MDQ), Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC), and Deaf Equity have formally endorsed this process. By endorsing, they have committed to having a process in place to bring together our communities to solve this challenge.
Is this about licensing interpreters?
This process does not presume an outcome of licensing interpreters. Trends will be looked at in the field of sign language interpreting across the country as well as in Minnesota. Discussions regarding the many ways to improve interpreting services, as well as strategies for ensuring quality and availability will occur. For example, one of the strategies is regulation of the interpreting field, so there will be consideration of licensure (as well as other approaches to regulations). Research and data collected in other states where interpreters are licensed will be used, in order to look at its impact on quality and availability of interpreting services.
How do I sign up to volunteer to participate in person and/or virtually in a Work Group/Task Force?
You are welcomed to sign up to volunteer and participate in this process. You will have the opportunity to participate in person or virtually and share your concerns, knowledge, and suggestions. Accommodations will be provided. There are different groups, each tasked with its own purpose. If additional assistance is needed, please contact Paula at Dendros - [email protected].
How do I get updates on what’s happening?
To be informed of the progress, please check the Commission's website. Signing up for the Commission’s newsletter is another way to get updates.
Who will be making the final recommendations?
The work done by individuals participating in the process will assist the Task Force in making recommendations to the Commission based on research and engagement.
Who is the Dendros Group?
The Dendros Group is a Minnesota based consulting group that has a lot of experience working on systems change. They have a team of signers (both Deaf and hearing) who will be facilitating the process. Their job is to help our communities come up with solutions to this challenge. Dendros will not be making any recommendations nor changes.
To learn more about the Dendros team, including video biographies in ASL, please visit the Dendros website.
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Launch
ASL version
If you are DeafBlind or prefer to watch the video in a high contrast format, watch the DeafBlind friendlier ASL version instead. To adjust the video speed, use YouTube's playback speed tool.
English version
Hello! I’m excited to introduce you to an important new initiative in our state.
My name is Gloria Nathanson. It’s my pleasure to present this exciting opportunity for the Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing communities to come together to address some critical issues that face our communities.
As some of you may know, the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing (MNCDHH) and its Board has been engaged in efforts involving the licensure of sign language interpreters in Minnesota. While examining this, other important issues arose concerning the future availability of qualified sign language interpreters.
A recent survey by the Minnesota Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf found that nearly half (46%) of current interpreters anticipate navigating away from or reducing their active service in the next five years. There are also concerns about who will take their place. Enrollment in interpreter training programs is decreasing and fewer people are becoming interpreters.
Meanwhile, there continue to be growing concerns about the experience of Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing Minnesotans as consumers of professional interpreting services. How do we ensure quality services? How do we provide safeguards and quality assurance to people in our communities that rely on interpreting services?
This effort will examine various issues concerning the future quality and availability of sign language interpreters, including licensure and other forms of regulation.
With these issues top of mind, MNCDHH is launching an initiative called, “Interpreting Forward 2030” and for this they have contracted with the Dendros Group, a local consulting firm.
I’m excited to be part of the Dendros team on this project. For myself as a Certified Deaf Interpreter and a member of the Deaf community, I know how important quality interpreting is. I see and experience it daily, and that is why I’m happy to be a part of this project and to see us come together across our diverse community to address these issues.
Our team is committed to building a highly participatory process that engages our communities. The Commission Board has committed to leading a process that:
- Includes the diverse perspectives we have
- Is a highly visible process with lots of communication
- Is flexible and adapts as we learn and build shared solutions
- Generates community will and support to the solutions we generate
An overview of the Interpreting Forward 2030 process will be shared in the next few days on the Commission's website and social media channels in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!
Credits:
The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing thanks:
Dr. Gloria Nathanson, The Dendros Group, LLC
Jamie Schumacher for voiceover
Keystone Interpreting Solutions for film production
